Stanhope Show

Sunday, 10th September 2023

The sun shone warm and bright as the wrestling commenced at Stanhope Show. Seven year old Isaac Stainton took first in a lively under 10 years class. Bobby Stewart notched a three point win yet again, continuing his unbeaten success in the under 12 years. A cool, confident George Peacock, despatched Jack Whiteford, Bobby Stewart, Jake Pitts and Charlie Armstrong to win the under 15 years. Then the highlight of the afternoon - the Under 18 years & 10 stones World Championship. Six contenders stepped onto the scales in turn, all very much in with a chance. 

The first pair saw Jack Whiteford succeed, proving just too strong for John Lukas Stainton. Next, Robbie Pigg, who has already taken 4th place in both the Under 18 years and the 11 stones Championships, controlled attacks from a determined Jake Pitts of Waberthwaite. Jake was runner up in the Under 15 years Championship and 4th in the 10.5st Championship this summer. The last pair were Charlie Armstrong - current Under 15 years & 8st Champion, and brother Tom. Charlie pulled rank to reach the semi final where he met Robbie, Jack bagged the bye to the final. Robbie’s tall frame and long legs were too much for Charlie who took third. Robbie got a breather whilst the first round losers wrestled off - fourth place going to the well deserved Jake Pitts. To the final - Robbie v Jack. A back heel was Jack’s attack but Robbie was quick to twist off and hiped well to take the first fall. Jack then turned in and attempted to hank. Robbie lifted him up and back to win. A great achievement for fifteen year old Robbie from Gaitsgill, who is only in his second year of the sport. 

The following under 18 years and three female classes provided great entertainment. Something then happened during the 12 stones class that I have never experienced before in wrestling. As the weather changed dramatically to rain, thunder and lightning in biblical proportions, spectators, officials and wrestlers scattered for cover in vehicles and tents. No let-up resulted in the wrestling being abandoned which I’ve never before seen happen but for safety reasons there was no alternative. The storm abandoned play but did not steal Robbie’s thunder - a day to be remembered!  

**Does not Count towards Victor Ludorum Points as thunder and lightening prevented the final being wrestled

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